Support assembly and method for supporting a recreational product

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is disclosed to support a portion of the weight of a recreational product while riding on a lift. The apparatus includes a first element attachable to a recreational product user, and a second element fixedly supported relative to the recreational product. The first element includes a tether that can be secured to a recreational product user&#39;s limb at the first end of the tether; and a coupling fitting that is attached at or near the second end of the tether. The second element is fixed on the recreational product and includes a platform and a hook supported by the platform. A portion of the platform and the coupling fitting are configured to be magnetically attracted to each other. The hook is configured to engage the coupling fitting. When the hook and coupling fitting are fully engaged the platform and coupling fitting are spaced apart from each other.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/683,293, filed Aug. 15, 2012, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to support assemblies andassociated methods for recreational products, such as assemblies andmethods for supporting a snowboard when a user is riding a lift.

Within the last two decades, snowboarding has gone from an activity thatsurfers did in the winter, to a globally recognized Olympic sport.Whether a snowboarder is at a world famous mountain or a local skiresort, he or she will inevitably have to deal with riding a chairlift(or a comparable lift) to ascend a slope. Typical chairlifts include oneor more seats suspended from a cable, with rider(s) exposed to the openair and with legs and feet hanging freely from the seat(s). Recreationalproducts, such as a snowboard, skis, or the like, often hang from arider's feet or legs when riding such a typical chairlift.

Riding the chairlift for snowboarders is an extremely annoying anduncomfortable process. In order to get onto the chairlift, thesnowboarder must first detach one foot (typically his or her back foot)so that he or she is able to push him- or herself to a loading station.As the snowboarder sits on the chairlift, he or she is confronted withthe ever nagging problem of what to do with his or her snowboard. Therider either has the option to let his or her board dangle from one foot(e.g., the front foot), rest the board on the toe of their free foot(e.g., back foot) to provide some support, or place it on a ski support,if the lift has such a support and the entire group riding in a givenchair unit agrees to use that support.

Unfortunately, all of these options have their drawbacks. If asnowboarder lets his or her board dangle, this creates a risk of causingpain to the knee and ankle that is supporting the weight of the board inessentially a cantilevered manner. This pain not only makes thechairlift ride uncomfortable, but causes fatigue and potentially longterm damage. If the snowboarder chooses to rest the board on his or herfree foot, this presents a risk of damage to the rider's boot as thesharp edge of the snowboard can dig into the boot causing cuts or otherdamage. Along with damaging the free boot, the board is also likely toget in the way of any person sitting next to such a rider, causingdiscomfort for all chairlift riders and the potential for the equipmentto get damaged from banging into each other. If the snowboarder has theability to use a ski support it is very rare they will even do so. Thisis due to the fact that such supports are generally designed for skiersand do not allow the snowboarder to comfortably support the weight ofthe board without hitting (and potentially damaging) neighbors'equipment.

There are several products available that attempt to solve this problem,but all have their specific drawbacks that make them undesirable. Thesedrawbacks range from permanently modifying one's snowboard, boot, and/orbinding to making the user attach an apparatus while sitting on thelift, which is a very dangerous undertaking. These drawbacks are sosevere that they have dissuaded snowboarders from using any of theseproducts to remedy the problem.

Therefore, there is a need for a universal, easy to use product forsupporting a snowboard or other recreational product while a user ridesa lift that allows that user to distribute weight of the recreationalproduct relatively evenly between both feet while helping to ensure thatthe recreational product does not damage or get in the way of any otherchair lift riders' equipment or the rider's own equipment (e.g., boots).

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the present invention an apparatus is disclosed tosupport a portion of the weight of a recreational product while ridingon a lift. The apparatus includes a first element attached to arecreational product user, and a second element fixedly supportedrelative to the recreational product. The first element includes atether that can be secured to a recreational product user's limb at thefirst end of the tether; and a coupling fitting that is attached at ornear the second end of the tether. The second element is fixed on therecreational product and includes a platform and a hook supported by theplatform. A portion of the platform and the coupling fitting areconfigured to be magnetically attracted to each other. The hook isconfigured to engage the coupling fitting. When the hook and couplingfitting are fully engaged the platform and coupling fitting are spacedapart from each other.

In another aspect of the present invention a method is disclosed tosupport at least a portion of the weight of a recreational product whileriding on a lift. The method includes the steps of positioning a strapassembly configured to engage with a boot near a hooking mechanismattached to a recreational product, magnetically coupling a portion ofthe strap assembly with a portion of the hooking mechanism, separatingthe magnetically attracted portions while riding on a lift, andmechanically engaging a portion of the strap assembly with a portion ofthe hooking mechanism where the two portions are not configured to bemagnetically attracted to each other.

In yet another aspect of the present invention a method is disclosed todeliver visual content in conjunction with sporting activities. Themethod includes the steps of providing a removable strap assemblyconfigured to engage with a boot where the visual content is fixed to anexternal surface of the removable strap assembly, and providing ahooking mechanism that can engage with the removable strap assemblywhere the hooking mechanism is attachable to a binding, board, ski, orsled.

In a further aspect of the present invention an apparatus to support aportion of the weight of a recreational product while riding on a liftis disclosed. The apparatus includes a first element attached to arecreational product user, and a second element fixedly supportedrelative to the recreational product. The first element includes a firstmeans for securing the first element to a recreational product user anda coupling means attached to the first means for coupling the firstelement to the recreational product. The second element is fixed on therecreational product and includes a first means for securing the secondelement to the recreational product and a second means supported by thefirst means for engaging the coupling means of the first element. Thecoupling means of the first element and the first means of the secondelement have at least a respective portion that are configured to bemagnetically attracted to each other. The second means of the secondelement is configured to engage the coupling means of the first element.And the first means of the second element and the coupling means of thefirst element are spaced from each other when the coupling means of thefirst element and the second means of the second element are fullyengaged.

In still a further embodiment of the present invention an apparatus tosupport at least a portion of the weight of a recreational product whileriding on a lift is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first meanselement and a second means element. The first means element isattachable to a recreational product user and is used for facilitatingmagnetic alignment and engagement. The second means element is fixedlysupported relative to the recreational product and is used forfacilitation magnetic alignment with the first means element and formechanically engaging the first means element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of an apparatusaccording to the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are front elevation views showing different embodimentsof a strap assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in isolation.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a hooking mechanism of the apparatus ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 1

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of an apparatusaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a strap assembly the apparatus of FIG. 5attached to a boot.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a hooking mechanism of the apparatus ofFIG. 5 attached to a binding.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged side elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for at leastpartially supporting a recreational product while riding on a lift.

While the above-identified drawing figures set forth embodiments of theinvention, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in thediscussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents the invention by wayof representation and not limitation. It should be understood thatnumerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by thoseskilled in the art, which fall within the scope and spirit of theprinciples of the invention. The figures may not be drawn to scale, andapplications and embodiments of the present invention may includefeatures and components not specifically shown in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, the present invention provides an apparatus and associatedmethod for helping to support a recreational or sporting product, suchas a board, binding, ski, or sled, while a user of the product is ridinga lift. The apparatus can include a first element (e.g. a strapassembly) and a second element (e.g. a hooking mechanism) that can beselectively engaged with one another to help distribute weight moreevenly when the recreational product is carried on a lift. The apparatuscan allow one of a user's feet (generally contained within boots) to bebound to the recreational product in a manner customary for normaloperation (e.g., buckled in a snowboard binding in a conventionalmanner), while the other, unbound foot can provide temporary support forthe recreational product as well as provide relatively even weightdistribution across both of the user's legs. In one aspect of theinvention, the apparatus can include a relatively easy to engagemechanism that allows a user to temporarily engage the assembly withoutthe use of his or her hands, such as with the use of a magneticcomponent that facilitates alignment of the strap assembly and thehooking mechanism. In another aspect of the invention, a method forsupporting a recreational or sporting product includes engaging a strapassembly, attached to a user's limb, with a hooking mechanism attachedto the recreational or sporting product; while riding the lift theweight of the product causes the strap assembly to engage with a hookportion of the hooking mechanism. The respective assemblies can be drawntogether by magnetic forces, which facilitate engagement but are notrequired to maintain engagement. In still another aspect of theinvention, a method for using the apparatus for supporting the weight ofa recreational or sporting product can include fixing visual contentonto the strap assembly, which can be used for advertising purposes, anddistributing the assembly to recreational product users. Additionalfeatures and benefits of the present invention will be appreciated bythose of ordinary skill in the art in view of the entirety of thepresent disclosure, including the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of apparatus 11 used tosupport at least a portion of the weight of a snowboard while riding ona lift. For simplicity, the snowboarder and the lift are notillustrated. Although this embodiment shows apparatus 11 used inconjunction with a snowboard it will be understood by those of skill inthe art that apparatus 11 can be used with other recreational productsincluding a ski, binding, or sled. In FIG. 1, Snowboard 10 is shownalong with boots 14R and 14L, and bindings 12. One of ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate that boots 14R and 14L can be, but are notlimited to, soft-flex or hard-flex boots. The illustrated configurationof boots 14R and 14L is provided merely by way of example and notlimitation. Apparatus 11 is shown and includes first element 16 (alsocalled a strap assembly) and second element 18 (also called a hookingmechanism). First element 16 includes adjustable strap 20, tether 24,and coupling fitting 26. Second element 18 includes platform 30 and hook32. First element 16 and second element 18 are shown in FIG. 1 engagedwith each other.

Bindings 12 can be attached to top portion 13 of snowboard 10 in amanner customary in the industry (e.g. by use of a mechanical fastener).Bindings 12 can be configured to receive snowboard boots 14R and 14L ina manner that positions the longitudinal axis of boots 14R and 14L to besubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of snowboard 10.First element 16 is typically worn on which ever boot, 14R or 14L,contains back foot of the snowboarder. Whether the back foot is the leftor right foot depends on the snowboarder's stance when riding thesnowboard. If the snowboarder rides “regular”, boot 14R contains theback foot (the right foot). Conversely, if the snowboarder rides“goofy”, boot 14L contains the back foot (the left foot). FIG. 1 depictsa “regular” rider. First element 16 is releasably attached around (i.e.,encircling) an outer face of boot 14R by adjustable strap 20, which canwrap around boot 14R at, or just above, the snowboarder's ankle. Asshown in FIG. 1 boot 14R is disposed between bindings 12, and is not incontact with snowboard 10 or bindings 12. Second element 18 is attachedto top portion 13 of snowboard 10 between bindings 12. Second element 18can be attached to snowboard 10 by an adhesive or by mechanicalfasteners such as screws or bolts or by any other suitable means.

Tether 24 is attached to first element 16 at one end, and couplingfitting 26 at an opposite end. Coupling fitting 26 can be a circularring or can have any other suitable shape including, but not limited to,a triangular shape, a D-ring, or a rectangular shape. First element 16and second element 18 are shown fully engaged. When fully engaged,coupling fitting 26 is in contact with upper portion 40 of hookingmechanism 32 such that there is a gap between platform 30 and couplingfitting 26.

FIG. 2A shows a front elevation view of one embodiment of first element16, which includes adjustable strap 20, buckle 22, tether 24, couplingfitting 26, and frame 28. As previously mentioned, coupling fitting 26can have a generally circular shape, or other suitable shapes such as aD-shape, rectangular shape, or triangular shape. First assembly 16 canbe flexible in that it can conform to boot 14 and extend under load andreturn to size when not under load.

Frame 28 can have a generally triangular shape, or any other suitableshape, and can be made of a fabric, metal, rubber, polymer, or anysuitable material. Frame 28 includes pockets 28A and 28B. Pocket 28A isan enclosed passage extending through frame 28 having two open endsoppositely disposed from each other. Pocket 28B is an enclosed passageextending partially through frame 28 having one open end at the bottomportion of frame 28. Frame 28 can help strengthen first assembly 16 anddistribute a portion of the weight of snowboard 10 between adjustablestrap 20 and tether 24.

Adjustable strap 20 is disposed at least partially within, and extendsat least partially through pocket 28A. Adjustable strap 20 can be sewninto pocket 28A or can be allowed to slide within pocket 28A. Adjustablestrap 20 can be made of a fabric, metal, rubber, polymer, or anothersuitable material and can have elastic or non-elastic properties.Adjustable strap 20 includes buckle 22. Buckle 22 is attached to the endof adjustable strap 20 and allows the two ends of adjustable strap 20 tosecure together when engaged about a boot. Buckle 22 can be a frictionbuckle, a tongue buckle, a mating buckle or any other suitableconnecting device.

Tether 24 can be oriented generally perpendicular to, and extend awayfrom adjustable strap 20. Tether 24 is disposed at least partiallywithin and extends at least partially through pocket 28B and can beattached to pocket 28B at one end. Tether 24 being disposed at leastpartially within pocket 28B can help prevent undesired lateral movementof tether 24. At least a portion of tether 24 (e.g. a free end) is notattached to pocket 28B and extends at least partially beyond pocket 28Band beyond a perimeter of frame 28. Tether 24 can be made of a fabric,metal, rubber, polymer, or another suitable material. Tether 24 includescoupling fitting 26 having inner diameter D1, which can be made entirelyor partially of a material that is attracted by a magnetic field or canbe made entirely or partially of permanent magnetic material. Couplingfitting 26 is attached to the end of tether 24 that extends at leastpartially beyond pocket 28B. Tether 24 here has elastic properties whenunder load.

FIG. 2B shows a front elevation view of another embodiment of firstelement (or strap assembly) 16′, which includes adjustable strap 20,buckle 22, tether 24′, coupling fitting 26, and frame 28′. As previouslymentioned, coupling fitting 26 can have a generally circular shape, orother suitable shapes such as a D-shape, rectangular shape, ortriangular shape. First assembly 16 can be flexible in that it canconform to boot 14 and extend under load and return to size when notunder load.

Frame 28′ can have a generally triangular shape, or any other suitableshape, and can be made of a fabric, metal, rubber, polymer, or anysuitable material. Frame 28′ can include pocket 28A′. Pocket 28A′ is anenclosed passage extending through frame 28′ having two open endsoppositely disposed from each other. Pocket 28A′ can also be omittedfrom Frame 28′. Frame 28′ can help strengthen first assembly 16 anddistribute a portion of the weight of snowboard 10 between adjustablestrap 20 and tether 24′.

Adjustable strap 20 can be disposed at least partially within, andextend at least partially through pocket 28A′. Adjustable strap 20 canbe sewn into pocket 28A′ or can be allowed to slide within pocket 28A′.Alternatively, adjustable strap 20 can be directly attached to frame28′. Adjustable strap 20 can be made of a fabric, metal, rubber,polymer, or another suitable material and can have elastic ornon-elastic properties. Adjustable strap 20 includes buckle 22. Buckle22 is attached to the end of adjustable strap 20 and allows the two endsof adjustable strap 20 to secure together when engaged about a boot. Aspreviously mentioned buckle 22 can be a friction buckle, a tonguebuckle, a mating buckle or any other suitable connecting device.

Tether 24′ can be oriented generally perpendicular to, and extends awayfrom adjustable strap 20. Tether 24′ can be attached to an outer surfaceof frame 28′. At least a portion of tether 24′ that contacts an outersurface frame 28′ can be sewn or otherwise attached to frame 28′. Inanother embodiment, the entire perimeter of tether 24′ in contact withan outer surface of frame 28′ can be sewn, or otherwise attached, toframe 28′, this can help improve the strength of tether 24′ and reduceunwanted lateral movements of tether 24′. At least a portion of tether24′ is not attached to frame 28′ and can extend at least partiallybeyond the perimeter of frame 28′. Tether 24 can be made of a fabric,metal, rubber, polymer, or another suitable material. Tether 24 includescoupling fitting 26, which can be made entirely or partially of amaterial that is attracted by a magnetic field or can be made entirelyor partially of permanent magnetic material. Coupling fitting 26 isattached to the end of tether 24 that extends at least partially beyondframe 28′.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of second element 18 of apparatus 11 ofFIG. 1. Second element 18 includes platform 30 and hook 32. Platform 30has a width W1 and includes magnetic portion 34 adhesive 36, side edges38, back edge 44, front edge 46, and slot 48. Hook 32 includes backportion 42 and upper portion 40 having width W2. Platform 30 and hook 32can be made of plastic, metal or any other suitable material. Magneticportion 34 can be a permanent magnet or, alternatively, can be made of amaterial that is attracted by a magnetic field. Adhesive 36 is on thebottom of platform 30 and can secure platform 30 to snowboard 10.Adhesive 36 can be an epoxy, polyurethane, plastisol, or any othersuitable adhesive. Alternatively, second element 18 can be mounted onsnowboard 10 using mechanical fasteners or other suitable means.

Platform 30 supports hook 32 and magnetic portion 34. A portion ofplatform 30 can have width W1 greater than a portion of hook 32 havingwidth W2. Width W1, being large, can help improve stability of secondelement 18 when mounted on snowboard 10. Width W2 can be smaller than aninner dimension (e.g., inner diameter) D1 of coupling fitting 26 (seeFIG. 2A). Width W2 being smaller than W1 can allow coupling fitting 26to engage hook 32. Side edges 38 can be beveled which can help toimprove the engagement of coupling fitting 26 with magnetic portion 34and hook 32. Each side edge 38 connects to back edge 44. Front edges 46are disposed opposite back edge 44 and can be beveled which can reducethe weight of platform 30 and help avoid sharp corners. Slot 48 isdisposed between front edges 46 and extends inwardly towards back edge44. Slot walls 52 can be straight, which can help to accommodatemagnetic portion 34.

Magnetic portion 34 is disposed within slot 48 on platform 30 and isgenerally located opposite from hook 32, with a gap or space in between.Magnetic portion 34 can also be a separate or detachable piece. Magneticportion 34 can be cast or molded into platform 30 in furtherembodiments.

Hook 32 extends upwardly from platform 30 and can be integrally andmonolithically formed with platform 30. Hook 32 is made from a sheet ofmaterial which can be, but is not limited to, plastic or metal, that canbe bent on a free end into a c-shaped or hook-like profile. Hook 32 canalso be formed using injection molding or any other suitablemanufacturing method to produce the desired hook shape. Back portion 42is tapered to connect platform 30 and hook 32. Back portion 42 is aboutas wide as platform 30 which can help increase the strength of theconnection between platform 30 and hook 32. As hook 32 extends fromplatform 30 the width of hook 32 decreases along the tapered edges ofhook 32 until reaching a substantially narrower point on upper portion40 having width W2. Back portion 42 being wider than upper portion 40can help strengthen the connection of hook 32 to platform 30. Upperportion 40 can be folded to create a catch profile to reduce a risk ofcoupling fitting 26 disengaging with hook 32 under load.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of apparatus 11. First element16 can be removably secured to the snowboarder using buckle 22 or anyother suitable securing mechanism. The snowboarder can secure firstelement 16 to boot 14R, the snowboarder's limb, or any other suitablelocation. Second element 18 is secured to snowboard 10. Second element18 can be secured to snowboard 10 using an adhesive, mechanicalfasteners, etc. Second element 18 can be secured at any location on topportion 13 of snowboard 10 such as adjacent to binding 12.

To use apparatus 11, the snowboarder removes boot 14R (which is thesnowboarder's free-back foot which is usually not contained within abinding while riding a lift if the snowboarder is riding “regular”) frombinding 12 and positions first element 16 sufficiently close to secondelement 18 such that both elements can be magnetically attracted to eachother. Magnetic portion 34 on second element 18 can magnetically coupleor engage with at least a portion of coupling fitting 26 on firstelement 16, as shown by the phantom lines in FIG. 4. When thesnowboarder rides on the lift the full weight of snowboard 10 causescoupling fitting 26 and magnetic portion 34 to separate allowing aportion of coupling fitting 26 to mechanically engage upper portion 40of hook 32. Magnetic attraction is not required to maintain themechanical engagement of coupling fitting 26 and hook 32. When couplingfitting 26 engages upper portion 40 there is a gap between couplingfitting 26 and platform 30.

At least a portion of the weight of snowboard 10 can be distributed tothe snowboarder when coupling fitting 26 engages with hook 32. Weight ofsnowboard 10 is transferred from second element 18 to first element 16through coupling fitting 26. Coupling fitting 26 transfers a portion ofthe weight of snowboard 10 to tether 24, which in turn transfers aportion of the weight to frame 28 and adjustable strap 20 which can bereleasably connected to the snowboarder.

Apparatus 11 has many benefits for the snowboarder including, but notlimited to, the following. The elements being configured to bemagnetically attracted to each other can allow for quick hands-freeengagement. Using apparatus 11, a snowboarder can keep their back footfree, up until the moment they board the lift. Advantageously, thesnowboarder then can use their back foot to move towards the lift andposition themselves on the lift. When the snowboarder is about to boardthe lift they can quickly engage first and second elements 16 and 18 bypositioning elements 16 and 18 near each other. Moreover, while ridingthe lift the risk of first and second elements 16 and 18 disengaging islow. A snowboarder likely will not have to reconnect elements 16 and 18or maintain a certain body position to keep elements 16 and 18 engagedwhile riding on a lift. Using this embodiment of the present invention asnowboarder can easily and securely support at least a portion of theweight of snowboard 10 on their free-back foot while riding a lift.

A further benefit of using apparatus 11 is that a snowboarder does nothave to permanently alter their equipment. Both first element 16 andsecond element 18 can be stand-alone structures. As such apparatus 11can be removably or permanently retro-fit to used or new equipment.

Apparatus 11 can also be customized. The external surface of frame 28can be large enough to fix visual content to. Visual content can includetext or images. The visual content can be any type including, but notlimited to, personal content for expressive purposes, or commercialcontent for advertising purposes. Apparatus 11 can also be produced inmany different colors and with different color and design patterns.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of apparatus 211used to support at least a portion of the weight of a snowboard whileriding on a lift. For simplicity the snowboarder and the lift are notillustrated. Although this embodiment shows the invention in conjunctionwith a snowboard it will be understood by those of skill in the art thatapparatus 211 can be used with other recreational products such as abinding, ski, or sled. Snowboard 10 is shown along with boots 214R and214L, and bindings 212F and 212B. Apparatus 211 is shown and includesfirst element 216 and second element 218. First element 216 includestether 224 and coupling fitting 226. Second element 218 includes hook232 and magnetic portion 234.

Bindings 212F and 212B can be attached to a top portion of snowboard 10in a manner customary in the industry (e.g. by use of a mechanicalfastener). Bindings 212F and 212B are configured to receive a snowboardboot in a manner that positions the longitudinal axis of boots 214R and214L to be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ofsnowboard 10. FIG. 5 depicts a “regular” rider so the back foot is theright foot. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that thisembodiment applies equally to a “goofy” rider. First element 216 can beattached to the outer face of boot 214R at, or just above, the portionof boot 214R where the snowboarder's ankle is contained. Boot 214R isdisposed between bindings 212F and 212B, and is not in contact withsnowboard 10 or bindings 212F or 212B. Second element 218 is attached tobinding 212B which is configured to receive a snowboarder's back foot.Second element 218 can be attached to binding 212B by an adhesive or bymechanical fasteners such as screws or bolts or by other suitable means.

First element 216 and second element 218 are shown engaged with eachother. Tether 224 is attached to boot 214R at one end, and couplingfitting 226 at the other end. Coupling fitting 226 can be a ring or anyother suitable shape including, but not limited to, a triangular shape,a D-ring, or a rectangular shape. Coupling fitting 226 and magneticportion 234 are configured to be magnetically attracted to each other.Initially coupling fitting 226 and magnetic portion 234 engage with eachother. When riding the lift gravity causes board 10 to fall and hook 232engages coupling fitting 226. Hook 232 has a catch profile that reducesthe risk of coupling fitting 226 disengaging with hook 232 while underload.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of first element 216,which includes boot 214 and first element 216. First element 216includes tether 224, and coupling fitting 226.

Boot 214 can be an ordinary snowboard boot that can be used withadjustable strap bindings where boot 214 is secured to the binding usingadjustable straps; or step-in bindings where the boot 214 ismechanically attached to snowboard 10 by a mechanism on the bottom ofboot 214 and snowboard 10. One of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the boot used can be, but is not limited to, a soft-flexor hard-flex boot. The illustrated configuration of boot 214 is providedmerely by way of example and not limitation.

Tether 224 is fixedly attached at one end to boot 214. Tether 224 can beattached to boot 214 by sewing, using a mechanical faster, or by anyother suitable technique. Tether 224 can also be integrated by themanufacturer into the base design of boot 214. Tether 224 can be madefrom an elastic material that will flex when under a load and return toshape when a load is removed. Tether 224 is shown attached to the outerface of boot 214 at, or just above, the snowboarder's ankle. Tether 224can however, be attached at any location on boot 214. At the other endof tether 224 is coupling fitting 226. As with coupling fitting 26,coupling fitting 226 can be made entirely or partially of a materialthat is attracted by a magnetic field, or can be made entirely orpartially of a permanent magnet. Coupling fitting 226 can have agenerally circular shape, or other suitable shapes such as a D-shape,rectangular shape, or triangular shape.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of second element 218,which includes binding 212, and second element 218. Binding 212 includeshighback plate 260, straps 262, and baseplate 264. Second element 218includes platform 230, hook 232, and magnetic portion 234. Platform 230has width W1. Hook 232 includes upper portion 240 having width W2 andback portion 242.

Highback plate 260, straps 262, and baseplate 264 are arranged onbinding 212 in a manner consistent with most snowboard bindings. Binding212 is attached to snowboard 10 by mechanical fasteners or adhesives.Second element 218 is disposed along the outer surface of the in step ofbinding 212. Platform 230 attaches second element 218 to binding 212.Platform 230 can be integrally formed with binding 212 at or adjacent tobaseplate 264, or alternatively, second element 218 can be a separatecomponent attached to binding 212 with adhesives or mechanicalfasteners. Platform 230 could also be attached to highback plate 260 orstraps 262.

Platform 230 supports hook 232 and magnetic portion 234. Platform 230can be made of plastic, metal or any other suitable material. A portionof platform 230 can have width W1 greater than upper portion 240 of hook232 which can have a width W2. Width W1 being large can improve secondelement 218's stability when mounted on binding 212. Width W2 can besmaller than an inner dimension (e.g., inner diameter) D1 of couplingfitting 226 (see FIG. 6).

Magnetic portion 234 can be located away from upper portion 240 of hook232 with a gap or space in between. Magnetic portion 234 can be made ofa material that is attracted by a magnetic field, or can be a permanentmagnet. Magnetic portion 234 can be attached to an outer face ofplatform 230. Magnetic portion 234 can be cast or molded into platform230 in further embodiments.

Hook 232 extends upwardly from platform 230 and is a sheet of materialwhich can be, but is not limited to, plastic or metal, that can be benton one end into a c-shaped or hook-like profile. Back portion 242 istapered to connect platform 230 and hook 232. Back portion 242 is aboutas wide as platform 230 which can help increase the strength of theconnection between platform 230 and hook 232. As hook 232 extends fromplatform 230, the width of hook 232 decreases along the tapered edges ofhook 232 until reaching a substantially narrower point on upper portion240 having width W2. Back portion 242 being wider than upper portion 240can help strengthen the connection of hook 232 to platform 230.Alternatively, W1 and W2 can be equivalent. Upper portion 240 can befolded to create a catch profile to reduce the risk of coupling fitting226 disengaging with hook 232 under load.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of apparatus 211. First element 216 isattached to boot 214. Second element 218 is secured to binding 212.Second element 218 can be positioned at any suitable location on binding212. Apparatus 211 works in a similar manner to the embodiment ofapparatus 11 described in FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for at leastpartially supporting a recreational product while riding on a lift.

In step 900, first and second elements such as strap assembly 16 andhooking mechanism 18 are provided. Strap assembly 16 can be configuredto engage about a recreational product user's boot 14L or 14R. Hookingmechanism 18 can be configured to engage about a recreational product10. Strap assembly 16 and hooking mechanism 18 can be stand-alonedevices capable of being either removably or permanently attached toboot 14L or 14R and/or recreational product 10.

In step 902, visual content is fixed onto strap assembly 16. The visualcontent can be fixed to strap assembly 16 by stitching, screen printing,or any other suitable method. The visual content can be fixed to one ormore external surfaces of strap assembly 16. Visual content can includetext, images, symbols, logos, trademarks, or copyrightable materials.The visual content on one external surface can be the same as the visualcontent on another surface. Alternatively, each external surface canhave different visual content fixed to it, allowing the user a choice ofvisual display options. The user can choose to display the visualcontent by attaching the strap assembly so that the visual contentprojects away from their limb. Alternatively, the user can choose not todisplay the visual content by attaching the strap assembly 16 so thatthe visual content projects towards their limb.

In step 904, strap assembly 16 is distributed. Strap assembly 16 can besold or distributed as a promotional item. A promotional item can be,but is not limited to an article of merchandise used in marketing andcommunication programs. Promotional items can be given away to promote acompany, corporate image, brand, or event. Promotional items can have acompany's name, logo or slogan, fixed to it and the item can be givenaway or sold. Strap assembly 16 can be distributed as a promotional itemat many places and events, including, but not limited to, recreationalsporting stores, recreational sporting gear demonstration events, andrecreational sporting competition events.

In step 906, strap assembly 16 is positioned near hooking mechanism 18.Strap assembly 16 is attached to a recreational product user at, ornear, the user's ankle and hooking mechanism 18 is attached to therecreational product (e.g. snowboard 10). The recreational product usercan move his or her leg such that strap assembly 16 is almost in contactwith hooking mechanism 18. An exact position is not required and theuser does not have to use his or her hands to position strap assembly 16near hooking mechanism 18.

In step 908, strap assembly 16 and hooking mechanism 18 are magneticallyattracted to each other. Both strap assembly 16 and hooking mechanism 18are configured to be magnetically attracted to each other. For example,strap assembly 16 can include a permanent magnet, and hooking mechanism18 can include a magnetically attracted material. Alternatively, hookingmechanism 18 can include a permanent magnet and strap assembly 16 caninclude a magnetically attracted material. Strap assembly 16 and hookingmechanism 18 will engage when the user places them close to each other.The magnetic attraction between strap assembly 16 and hooking mechanism18 provides for quick and hands-free engagement. The recreationalproduct user can thus control their recreational product up until themoment that they board a lift. When they are about to board the liftthey can quickly engage strap assembly 16 and hooking mechanism 18. If arecreational product user did not engage the elements before boarding alift the user can magnetically attract them on the lift as well. Thisallows the user to sit safely in the lift without trying to attach strapassembly 16 and hooking mechanism 18 by hand while riding on a lift.

In step 910, the components are moved against magnetic forces. When theuser is riding on the lift the recreational product (under the influenceof gravity) falls and causes the magnetically attracted portions ofstrap assembly 16 and hooking mechanism 18 to separate.

In step 912, portions of strap assembly 16 and hooking mechanism 18 aremechanically engaged. When the recreational product falls in step 910causing strap assembly 16 and hooking mechanism 18 to separate a portionof strap assembly 16 engages with a portion of hooking mechanism 18,without a need for magnetic coupling. Once mechanically engaged, aportion of the weight of the recreational product is distributed fromhooking mechanism 18 to strap assembly 16. A portion of the weight isthen transferred from strap assembly 16 to the recreational productuser.

When the recreational product user disembarks the lift strap assembly 16and hooking mechanism 18 are easily disengaged. Once the recreationalproduct contacts the ground strap assembly 16 and hooking mechanism 18can be mechanically disengaged. To completely disengage strap assembly16 and hooking mechanism 18, the recreational product user only has tomove strap assembly 16 (attached to boot 14L or 14R) away from hookingmechanism 18 (attached to the recreational product). The recreationalproduct user can proceed to use their product.

The method as described above can be used to distribute a portion of theweight of a recreational product while riding on a lift. Those ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that recreational product caninclude, but is not limited to, a board, ski, sled, or binding. Those ofordinary skill in the art will also recognize that a lift can include,but is not limited to a chair lift. Finally those of skill in the artwill recognize that a recreational product user can include, but is notlimited, a snowboarder, a skier, or a sledder.

The method as described above allows a recreational product user toeasily and quickly engage an assembly to support at least a portion ofthe weight of a recreational product while riding a lift. The methoddoes not require the use of the user's hands and does not require theuser to maintain any certain body position to balance the recreationalproduct. The components used by the recreational product user are alsostand-alone features which can be retro-fit onto existing equipment orintegrated into new equipment. Strap assembly 16 also provides a surfacefor fixing visual content onto. Strap assembly 16 then can be used forpersonal expression or for advertising purposes. Persons of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that the method as described above withreference to FIG. 9 can apply to nearly any embodiment of the presentinvention (e.g., apparatus 11 or 211).

While the apparatus has been described with reference to certainembodiments of first elements and second elements interacting with eachother, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variouscombinations of the disclosed embodiments of first and second elements16 and 18 can be used interchangeably with each other without departingfrom the scope of the invention.

Any relative terms of degree used herein, such as “substantially”,approximately”, “essentially”, “generally” and the like, should beinterpreted in accordance with and subject to any applicable definitionsor limits expressly stated herein. In all instances, and relative termsor terms of degree used herein should be interpreted to broadlyencompass any relevant disclosed embodiments as well as such ranges orvariations as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in theart in view of the entirety of the present disclosure, such as toencompass ordinary manufacturing tolerance variations, incidentalalignment variations, and the like.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplaryembodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that theinvention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of theappended claims.

1. An apparatus to support at least a portion of the weight of arecreational product while riding on a lift comprising: a first elementattachable to a recreational product user, the first element comprising:a tether securable to a limb of a user at or near a first end of thetether; and a coupling fitting attached at or near a second end of thetether; and a second element fixedly supported relative to therecreational product, the second element comprising: a platform; and ahook supported by the platform, wherein at least respective portions ofthe platform and the coupling fitting are configured to be magneticallyattracted to each other and, wherein the hook is configured to engagethe coupling fitting, and wherein the platform and the coupling fittingare spaced from each other when the hook and the coupling fitting arefully engaged.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the coupling fittingis in the shape of a circle, a triangle, a D-ring, or a rectangle. 3.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the couplingfitting or the platform comprises a ferromagnetic material.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the coupling fittingor the platform comprises a magnet.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe first element further comprises an adjustable strap buckled to thelimb of a user.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first elementfurther comprises a frame of a generally triangular shape which theadjustable strap extends at least partially through.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the first element further comprises a frame of agenerally triangular shape which the tether extends at least partiallythrough.
 8. The frame of claim 6 wherein the frame is made from aflexible material.
 9. The frame of claim 7 wherein the frame is madefrom a flexible material.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thetether is attached to a boot.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thetether is made from an elastic material.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the second element is attached to a top portion of therecreational product, wherein the recreational product comprises asnowboard.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second element issecured to the recreational product with an adhesive.
 14. The apparatusof claim 1 where the second element is integrated into a binding.
 15. Amethod to support at least a portion of the weight of a recreationalproduct while riding on a lift the method comprising the steps of:positioning a strap assembly configured to engage about a boot near ahooking mechanism attached to a recreational product; and magneticallycoupling at least a portion of the strap assembly with at least aportion of the hooking mechanism; and separating the magneticallycoupled portions of the strap assembly and the hooking mechanism; andmechanically engaging at least a portion of the strap assembly with atleast a portion of the hooking mechanism, the portions not configured tobe magnetically attracted to each other.
 16. The method of claim 15where the recreational product is a snowboard.
 17. A method to delivervisual content in conjunction with sporting activities, the methodcomprising the steps of: providing a removable strap assembly configuredto engage about a boot wherein the visual content is fixed to anexternal surface of the removable strap assembly; providing a hookingmechanism engagable with the removable strap assembly, the hookingmechanism configuration to be attachable to at least one of a binding,board, ski, or sled.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the visualcontent is fixed to the removable strap assembly by stitching or screenprinting the visual content to the removable strap assembly.
 19. Themethod of claim 17 wherein the visual content is a trademark or iscopyrightable material.
 20. The method of claim 17 and furthercomprising; distributing the removable strap assembly as a promotionalitem; using the removable strap assembly with an existing recreationalproduct wherein the removable strap assembly comprises a tether attachedto a user at a first end and a coupling fitting at a second endmagnetically attracted to the hooking mechanism attached to therecreational product.
 21. An apparatus to support at least a portion ofthe weight of a recreational product while riding on a lift comprising:a first means element attachable to a recreational product user forfacilitating magnetic alignment and engagement, and a second meanselement fixedly supported relative to the recreational product forfacilitating magnetic alignment with the first means element andmechanically engaging the first means element.